Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
1[(1) If at any place where any industry, operation or process, or any treatment and disposal system or any extension or addition thereto is being carried on, due to accident or other unforeseen act or event, any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter is being discharged, or is likely to be discharged into a stream or well or sewer or on land and, as a result of such discharge, the water in any stream or well is being polluted, or is likely to be polluted, then the person incharge of such place shall forthwith intimate the occurrence of such accident, act or event to the State Board and such other authorities or agencies as may be prescribed.]
- (2)Where any local authority operates any sewerage system or sewage works, the provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply to such local authority as they apply in relation to the person in charge of the place where any industry or trade is being carried on.
Summary
- This provision requires immediate reporting of any accidental or unforeseen discharge of harmful substances into water bodies.
- It applies to anyone in charge of a place where an industry, operation, process, or waste treatment system is being carried out.
- The person in charge must report if poisonous or polluting matter is entering or is likely to enter a stream, well, sewer, or land.
- The report must be made "forthwith," which means immediately without delay.
- The information must be given to the State Board and any other specific agencies named by the government.
- This duty to report also applies to local authorities who run sewerage systems or sewage works.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who is responsible for reporting an accident under Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974?
Under Section 31 of the 1974 Act, the person in charge of the industry, process, or disposal system where the accident happened is responsible for reporting it.
2. When should information be furnished to the Board under Section 31 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974?
Section 31 of the Water Act says the information must be provided "forthwith" if polluting matter is being discharged or is likely to be discharged due to an accident.
3. Does Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 apply to city governments?
Yes, Section 31 of the 1974 Act specifically states that its reporting requirements apply to local authorities that operate sewerage systems.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, what word describes how quickly a person must report an accidental discharge?
Q2.According to Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which of these is NOT a location where a discharge triggers the duty to report?
Q3.Under Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, who must be notified about an accidental pollution event?
Q4.Under Section 31 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which entity has the same reporting duties as a person in charge of an industry?